Growing Conditions
The 2016 vintage began with well below-average winter rainfall, followed by a warm and dry spring, which enhanced flowering and set to give average to above-average yield potential. Low disease pressure was maintained by one of the hottest Decembers on record, though temperatures cooled down in the New Year and rainfall around veraison in late January brought relief to the dry-grown, old-vine Eden Valley vineyards. This was followed by further rainfall in early March which eased the stress on all varieties. The fruit matured with an earlier harvest, as predicted due to an early Easter. Open, light and airy vine canopies allowed for good flavour, sugar and colour and mature tannins to develop at harvest, which was overall characterised by average yields but very high quality.
Nose
An alluring nose of clover and citrus blossom, tropical and stone fruits, candied citrus peel, honeyed pear slices and lime brûlée.
Palate
Delicious citrus and stone fruit flavours fill the palate, supported by hints of cinnamon spice. The luscious mouthfeel is textured with rich viscosity and balanced by bright and clean acidity lingering on an impressively long finish.
Appearance
Pale gold with green-gold hues.
Food Pairing
Strawberry jelly with fresh berries.
Aging
Fermented in tank with 18% of the wine then transferred to seasoned 225L French barriques for 6 months. Remainder aged on lees in tank for complexity before blending prior to bottling with residual sweetness of 125g/L.